Bachelorette Party and Doggy Hospitals

So much happened over this past weekend that I'm feeling out of breath just thinking about typing it all. So I'll make it short and sweet.

First off was Tina's bachelorette all-day event. We started off by getting our hair done, meeting some friends for lunch, and doing some shopping in SoCo (that's South Congress for you non-Austinites). I don't think any of us really purchased much, but it's the looking that it's all about anyway. The storm started to roll in (and Tina and I were getting headaches from our very tight hair-dos), so we waited some of it out at CVS (getting hairclips so we could take out all the bobby pins) and then did a little shopping over on 2nd street. As the night grew nearer, we had some drinks (I had ice water and one diet Coke - which our waiter so kindly put into a martini shaker for me!) at 219 West where Tina opened some, ...er, interesting gifts. (I still have dibs on the chocolate paint!) From there we headed downtown to watch Esther's Follies (no doubt it's a MUST see!) where I drank MORE ice water, and I know I laughed so hard my cheeks hurt - both my facial ones from smiling and my other cheeks from sitting. After that we stopped off for some pizza and lounge time (and more ice water for me). We all had a really fun night. :)

From there that's when the weekend turns. While I'm sitting in some bar (I have no idea which one, but I assure you I drank ice water - again), I get a call from Rafi. Pixel had gotten into a bottle of extra strength Tylenol, he didn't know which dog (if not both) had eaten some, so both dogs were at the emergency pet hospital. Since it was already past 1:00am, we girls headed home. Walking into my house sure felt empty with no doggies to greet me. :(

To save typing time I'll skip ahead and let you know that the dogs are fine. Fifteen hundred dollars and lots of blood tests, vitamin C shots, acetaminophen blockers, active charcoal (to promote puking and pooping), multiple IVs, and liver tests later, it was determined that Pixel was the only one who had ingested the pills. The dogs were in the hospital most of the weekend, but were very happy to come home. Pixel had to get two more liver tests on Monday and Wednesday, but both proved that the toxin levels in his liver were decreasing. So all is well now - except for poor Marley!! I think she has had it with us thinking SHE is the one misbehaving! (And I have learned not to leave my purse close the the edge of the countertops.) But we're having a fun time calling Marley "Poodle Girl." Check out her poodle arms!

Here is some news....

We have concrete and owls!

The concrete has been poured! Now it sits a week to cure. Next week the crew comes back to install the roof! Then Rafi gets to work on the waterfall, and I get to work on the landscaping.




And I bought the first "outfit" since I've been pregnant. It has owls on it. When have you ever seen owls on baby clothes? Cute!

Geez we're swamped!

So right now we have loads of stuff going on. First, school is into the full swing of things. I teach 4 sections of science per day plus I teach math in an after school program. And, as always, Rafi is very busy with his work, too. Top secret, though. (wink!)

Second, we have finally begun construction on the covered patio!! Tomorrow they pour the concrete, into which we plan to put our handprints and doggy paw prints. :) It will be 550 square feet of bliss when finished! Here are some progress pictures - one before and one is laid with sand.









Third, Rafi and I are going to quickly begin our landscaping projects in the backyard once the patio is finished. We will be (finally) adding trees and flowerbeds. Most importantly, Rafi has designed a waterfall that he will build himself (maybe with some help of VERY nice friends) that will go into one of the corners of the yard. I'm very excited about this project.

Inside the house I am cleaning and painting! (Don't worry, I got an okay from my doctor to paint in a ventilated area with a mask.) I think Rafi has had enough with my painting kicks!

Lastly, I'm officially out of regular clothing. :( I've discovered that only celebrities look really great pregnant because they can afford the tailoring on their designer clothes! It's really hard to find things that fit. In the interest of full disclosure, I give you a photo of myself. Just keep in mind this is after a 9.5 hour day at work.